When someones sugar is dropping
By Mrs Martinez
@pjnjclyn (176)
Newton, New Jersey
November 5, 2010 2:26pm CST
My husband has diabetes and when his sugar is dropping he is a pain in my side. He will not let me check his sugar and gives me a hard time eating after 10 years of this you really start to get annoyed by it.
Please do not get me wrong I love him with all of my heart but he has had diabetes since he was 12 and now he is almost 40 he should know to eat after taking unsulin and other things.
Anyone out there have some tips you could give me I have lots of stress and do not need more of it.
2 people like this
7 responses
@kaylachan (71717)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
6 Nov 10
I know you want to care for him and everything, but if he's been managing it since he was 12, you should let him continue to do so. The key to Diabetes is paicence. A lot of the physocological things you are seeing he cannot control. Quite often, just because he's in a bad mood doesn't mean that his going into a hypoglycemic episode.
The truth is, you need to edcuate yourself on diabetes and understand it effects everyone differently. What you perceve as a low, might be in fact a high. And, maybe you're being too caring. It can be difficult living with someone who has a disorder such as diabetes.
Personally I have hypoglycemia and my partner has a hard time living with me. When my sugar starts to drop, sometimes for no apparent reason, I can be a total and complete bit ch. But, at the same time I have the right to be in a bad mood (which can be mistaken for a low). Quite often during thease times we'll argue (he's easily adijated) which doesn't help the situation. And, it can be quite stressful.
Just because your husband isn't in such a plesent mood don't automatically assume its a low. Give it time and watch for other systems. They may come on quickly, or they could not come on at all. Let him be the one to test his sugar unless he either asks you, or he's lathargic.
Time and paicence are key when dealing with this. Just be strong, take a deep breath, and take a few steps back. Observe a little more and find ways to unwind. Diabetes can be quite devestating and no matter how long you've had it, it's frustrating for the person who has it and the loved ones around them. Self-care is important, but at the same time you can't force him no matter how much it can hurt to watch him suffer.
My father was a type two diabetic, and he had his moments where self-care was difficult. I've seen his highs, and I've seen his lows. I've seen him suffer, but I had to leave it up to him. My mom loved and supported him.... and.... she only helped him when he asked for it. So you just have to be a supportive wife, and a little less like his mother.
@pjnjclyn (176)
• Newton, New Jersey
6 Nov 10
It is not when he is in a bad mood I think that his sugar is low. I know from his breathing pattern how his skin feels and other signs. I have not been wrong yet about it. Also I have diabetes and I am educated on the matter my mother brother grandmother mother in law all have it just to name a few that I know and yesterday when I made this post his sugar was 26. I have been dealing with him along time I was just looking for some pointers.
I do not bother him about his meds or checking his sugar or anything of that nature but when I come home and he is laying there and can not talk or speak what should I do walk back out and not act like his mother?????
@pogi253 (1596)
• Philippines
6 Nov 10
These are the rules of manners for diabetics. That’s right. Diabetes offers its own set of unspoken rules that aren't often viewed, which can be the root cause of arguments, anger, frustration or even depression. Don’t Bug your husband, frequently reminding your husband to take his medication can be annoying, especially if he successfully manage his diabetes. Instead, ask questions. Do he want constant reminders? Do he need a 15-minute warning before dinner? Explore his needs and ask how you can best help. It’s not personal: Wonder why your spouse is more irritable lately? While there could be many reasons for his behavior changes, think about that some diabetics punch themselves at least eight times a day for injections and blood sugar readings. This may transpire for the rest of his life. He may get angry, frustrated or fed up. Understand the source of his emotions. Offer your compassion, not ridicule. Listen, then help: Diabetes is an invisible disease. If your husband sense a drop in his blood sugar, he may need to quickly sit down and perhaps eat a piece of candy or drink some soda or juice to avoid passing out. Believe what he tell you. Don’t ignore his symptoms or immediate need for help. Don’t say, “C'mon, you can make it. The car is parked right down the corner. :)
@pjnjclyn (176)
• Newton, New Jersey
6 Nov 10
I am a diabetic myself and have many family members that are also diabetics I do not remind him all the time that is his life and if he does not want to take care of what he needs to then it is his fault not mine.
He does not check his sugar at all. I check my own sugar and do not get annyoed it is what needs to be done. I do not ridicule him. Let me tell you this his sugar went to 26 yesterday yes I said 26 so what should I have done then????
@emarie (5442)
• United States
6 Nov 10
My husband is a diabetic as well and my father was one. After 10 years you should know the signs of blood sugar dropping. If it does get too low it can be harmful. I remember my sister telling me my father fainted at a 7-11 after a doctors appointment because he didn't eat all morning, he was actually getting something to eat at the time but didn't make it. Luckily the worker saw his bracelet and of course the hospital was right next door.
When blood sugar drops they can get irritable, mostly because they're hungry. They also start to feel shaky, if you let yourself starve for long you can feel similar feelings. But he should check his sugars because spiking up and down is actually more harmful then having a constant high reading. It can do real damage on his kidney's like it did to my father to where he was on dialysis.
I would suggest keep those glucose tablets handy. They also have glucose bars and drinks to quickly replenish the sugars in your body. If you can't afford it..LifeSaves...they're called that for a reason my dad used to tell me. When they're sugar is low, you'll need to get their sugar levels up. But he still needs to make sure because if it's too high, (you can get similar symptoms) then his body might go into shock.
@joey_matthews (8354)
•
6 Nov 10
You could try and find or make the food he likes alot and it will be harder to resist it.... if his sugar drops you could give him something that is high in sugar so that it brings it back up faster but not too much. My mum has diabetes and thats what she does it she has an extremely low sugar level... but she does eat when she should do and everything so its obviously abit easier to manage that illness that she has.... its the rest of her illnesses that are a problem for her.
@pjnjclyn (176)
• Newton, New Jersey
6 Nov 10
I do know the things that he really likes and I do offer them to him but he could care less when he is in the state of mind that he gets into it is almost like he is another person.
@pjnjclyn (176)
• Newton, New Jersey
6 Nov 10
Because he thinks that he does not need it checked and that he is fine. I know when it is dropping just by the way that he is acting. He get stuborn and I have found about by talking to others that he is not the only one that is like this it is like the defenses go up and they can do everything themselves.
I can name a number of times that if I have not been there he would not be here anymore because of how fast and low his sugar has gotten.
@yna410 (429)
• Philippines
6 Nov 10
Well, it's really a tough battle when someone has diabetes which is incurable, only manageable. I think that if your husband has been diagnosed with diabetes as early as 12 years old, he's pretty aware of how his condition is managed. I'm not sure, but maybe as he gets older, he becomes quite complacent about his health. He may have his own reasons or assumptions why. I think that if you are really doing your part in managing your husband's condition, the real problem is with him and the best solution lies on him. I don't think any patient or sick person will be treated or managed effectively if he/she is not willing, if he/she doesn't do his/her part. Health care plans or treatments are accomplish with mutual cooperation, from the health care provider and the patient or patient's family. It is important that the involved person helps himself the way others help him. In your husband's case, the more he needs to do his part because diabetes is a lifetime condition and he can only manage it well with a lot of patience, determination, and cooperation. He needs to stick on his management care plan or routine. Just like in your situation, you can't manage his condition no matter how hard you try without him getting into action as well. Though having said all these, it's still better to continue being sensitive and nonjudgmental when you talk to him about your concerns or worries. Try to be therapeutic when communicating with him on finding the reason/s why he's acting as if he doesn't care about his health, also when explaining to him the importance of doing his part or role on managing diabetes. I think communication still plays a crucial role in solving this situation. It's also advantageous to continue doing your part or better yet, put more effort so that he'll be able to realize and appreciate what you're doing for him and his health and soon he'll be more inspired or cooperative in dealing with his health condition. I believe sincere actions impact most people, they contribute to change. Don't forget to also pray, it's really a powerful tool. I know it's truly difficult on your part as well, but there's no harm in trying once again, in putting more effort, in giving or doing more than you thought you can give or do. Just make your love for your husband your fuel to continue this battle. =)
@Reed201084 (347)
• United States
5 Nov 10
Well to be honest, first you have to get him to realize that he needs to check his blood and take his meds and adjust his diet. He has to want to do something about it. You need to go to him and tell him how you feel. Express to him how concerned you are and be sure to offer him help if he wants it. But i can tell you from experience that if he does not want to do it, you can't make him. There is nothing besides convincing him he needs to start taking of it that I can suggest.